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Storm drain & drainage contractors in Las Vegas, NV

Storm drain pipe installation, detention and retention basins, and site drainage systems built to Clark County flood control standards. Tell us about your project and we'll match you with a vetted, licensed local drainage contractor — free.

Storm Drain Pipe Detention Basins Retention Basins Site Drainage Grading Flood Control Compliance

What's included in storm drain & drainage work

Because of the Las Vegas Valley's flash-flood risk, drainage is one of the most closely reviewed parts of any site plan. Contractors we match you with typically handle:

  • Storm drain pipe and catch basin installation
  • Detention and retention basin construction, including outlet structures
  • Site drainage grading, swales, and overland flow paths
  • Connections to public storm drain systems
  • Erosion control and NPDES stormwater pollution prevention compliance during construction
  • Coordination with the local jurisdiction and flood control district on design standards

Why drainage design is different in the Las Vegas Valley

Southern Nevada's desert climate means rain is infrequent but can be intense, and the Valley's terrain channels stormwater quickly through washes and urban drainage systems, producing fast-moving flash floods during summer monsoon storms (roughly July through September). Because of this risk, storm drain and site drainage designs are reviewed against standards developed with input from the Clark County Regional Flood Control District, in addition to each jurisdiction's own requirements. Getting this design right the first time avoids plan review delays — see our permitting overview.

Detention vs. retention basins

A detention basin temporarily holds stormwater during a storm and releases it slowly afterward, typically staying dry between events — the more common requirement on commercial sites. A retention basin holds water for a longer period, sometimes permanently, and may double as a landscape or infiltration feature. Which one your site needs (and how it's sized) is determined by your civil engineer based on local drainage study requirements.

When you need a storm drain & drainage contractor

  • Your site plan requires a new or upgraded storm drain connection
  • Local drainage requirements call for on-site detention or retention
  • An existing site has drainage or ponding problems that need to be corrected
  • You're developing a parcel and need drainage designed and installed alongside grading and other utilities

Planning grading and utilities together? See our full site development page for combined packages.

Frequently asked questions

Why does storm drain design matter so much in the Las Vegas Valley?

The Valley receives infrequent but sometimes intense rainfall, particularly during the summer monsoon season, which can produce fast-moving flash flooding. Because of this, storm drain and drainage design is closely reviewed against standards developed with the Clark County Regional Flood Control District.

What's the difference between detention and retention basins?

A detention basin temporarily holds stormwater and releases it slowly after a storm, typically staying dry between events. A retention basin is designed to hold water for a longer period or permanently, and may be used for infiltration or aesthetic ponds.

Do I need a stormwater permit during construction?

Projects that disturb a certain amount of land typically need to comply with NPDES stormwater pollution prevention requirements administered through the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection, in addition to local grading and drainage permits.

When is storm drain typically installed relative to sewer and water?

Storm drain is commonly installed after sanitary sewer, since sewer's gravity-flow depth often drives site layout, but sequencing can vary by project and civil engineering design.

Is there a cost to use Vegas Utilities to find a storm drain contractor?

No. Vegas Utilities is free for property owners and developers. We're paid a referral fee by our contractor partners when a project we refer results in signed work.

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